Herdsperson Sow Farm

Smithfield Foods•Woodland, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to support animal welfare. Duties include farm sanitation, animal removal and movement, and operating farm equipment as directed. The role provides care for animals at the designated work site, with particular attention to their health, growth, and breeding. The employee may train toward an advanced Herd Technician designation. Compensation is $16.75 plus incentives, and paid on-the-job training and career advancement opportunities are offered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Ability to perform hard physical labor.
Strong commitment to teamwork.
Willingness to shower daily when entering and leaving the facility.
Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.
Ability to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently.
Weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed, and on-call availability for emergencies such as power outages or personnel shortages.
Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and talk or hear frequently.
Ability to work with and around a range of antibiotics, including penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, vaccinate, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
Remain flexible and change plans as directed by farm leadership.
Assist with moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.
Sanitize and wash farm areas using high-pressure equipment.
Process piglets, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
Maintain accurate production information and update department records.
Treat sick animals with pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, or other required methods.
Follow Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, and appropriate training guides.
Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
Help maintain barn and office cleanliness and perform laundry duties.
Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing an appropriate physical environment, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and appropriate care for animals needing health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.
Perform other duties as assigned.